Ultimate Guide to
Oceania’s Best Hotels
Table of Contents
Australia Hotels: Urban Sophistication and Outback Wilderness
Australia’s hospitality is a tale of two extremes, seamlessly blending sophisticated urban luxury with unforgettable wilderness experiences. The search for the best hotels in Australia often begins in its vibrant cities. Sydney boasts iconic properties with breathtaking harbour views, like the Park Hyatt Sydney, perfectly positioned to watch life unfold around the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. In Melbourne, luxury hotels such as The Langham offer timeless elegance on the Southbank Promenade, providing a perfect base for exploring the city’s famed laneway culture and culinary scene. These 5-star city hotels are renowned for their world-class service, award-winning restaurants, and stunning design, catering to discerning international travelers.
Beyond the urban centers lies the heart of Australian luxury: its unique wilderness lodges. These properties offer unparalleled immersion in the country’s diverse and dramatic landscapes. In the spiritual heart of the outback, Longitude 131° provides an exclusive, tented camp experience with direct views of Uluru. On the coast of Queensland, qualia on Hamilton Island sets the standard for Great Barrier Reef luxury, with serene pavilions and access to one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. In Tasmania, Saffire Freycinet’s avant-garde design mirrors the pink granite mountains of the Freycinet Peninsula, offering a blend of nature, wellness, and gourmet experiences.
From the Margaret River wine region’s boutique hotels to the rugged beauty of the Kimberley, where remote lodges like El Questro offer authentic adventures, Australia’s hotel scene is defined by its sense of place. Whether you’re staying in a sleek skyscraper in a bustling city or a secluded lodge miles from civilization, the best Australian hotels provide a deep connection to their environment. This guide to the top 25 properties in Australia showcases the incredible breadth of luxury available, from high-design city escapes to once-in-a-lifetime outback adventures, all delivered with a characteristically relaxed and friendly Aussie spirit.
| Name | Location | Type | Stars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park Hyatt Sydney | Sydney, NSW | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| qualia | Hamilton Island, QLD | Luxury Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Longitude 131° | Yulara, NT | Luxury Tented Camp | ★★★★★ |
| The Langham, Melbourne | Melbourne, VIC | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Saffire Freycinet | Coles Bay, TAS | Luxury Lodge | ★★★★★ |
| Southern Ocean Lodge | Kangaroo Island, SA | Luxury Coastal Lodge | ★★★★★ |
| Crown Towers Melbourne | Melbourne, VIC | Luxury Hotel & Casino | ★★★★★ |
| Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley | Wolgan Valley, NSW | Conservation Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Capella Sydney | Sydney, NSW | Historic Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Lake House | Daylesford, VIC | Boutique Hotel & Spa | ★★★★★ |
| Four Seasons Hotel Sydney | Sydney, NSW | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The Calile Hotel | Brisbane, QLD | Urban Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Jackalope Hotel | Mornington Peninsula, VIC | Vineyard Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Crown Towers Perth | Perth, WA | Luxury Hotel & Casino | ★★★★★ |
| The Darling | Gold Coast, QLD | Luxury Suites Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The Ritz-Carlton, Perth | Perth, WA | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Lizard Island Resort | Great Barrier Reef, QLD | Private Island Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Halcyon House | Cabarita Beach, NSW | Boutique Beach Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| COMO The Treasury | Perth, WA | Historic Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Spicers Peak Lodge | Scenic Rim, QLD | Mountain Lodge | ★★★★★ |
| The Old Clare Hotel | Sydney, NSW | Design Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Cape Lodge | Margaret River, WA | Luxury Country Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Pretty Beach House | Bouddi Peninsula, NSW | Luxury Bush Retreat | ★★★★★ |
| MACq 01 Hotel | Hobart, TAS | Storytelling Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Sequoia Lodge | Adelaide Hills, SA | Luxury Lodge | ★★★★★ |
New Zealand Hotels: Epic Landscapes and Luxury Lodges
New Zealand is a land of jaw-dropping natural beauty, and its luxury hotel scene is defined by intimate, world-class lodges set in some of the most spectacular landscapes on Earth. The concept of the “luxury lodge” was practically perfected here, offering guests exclusive access to remote wilderness, from dramatic coastlines to towering mountain ranges, without sacrificing a shred of comfort. The search for the best hotels in New Zealand inevitably leads to legendary properties like Huka Lodge near Taupo, a historic fishing lodge that has hosted royalty, and Kauri Cliffs in the Bay of Islands, a sprawling coastal estate with a championship golf course and panoramic ocean views. These lodges are renowned for their warm, personal hospitality and exceptional culinary programs that showcase the best of local New Zealand produce.
The South Island is an adventure traveler’s paradise, with luxury lodges providing a perfect base for exploring its dramatic fjords, glaciers, and alps. Matakauri Lodge, perched on the shores of Lake Wakatipu near Queenstown, offers breathtaking views of the Remarkables mountain range from every suite. Blanket Bay, at the northern end of the same lake, provides a similar sense of sublime isolation and rustic elegance. For a truly remote experience, Minaret Station, accessible only by helicopter, offers a stay in luxurious tented suites in the heart of the Southern Alps. These properties excel at curating bespoke experiences, from heli-skiing and fly-fishing to guided hikes and wine tours.
While the lodges are the stars, New Zealand’s cities also offer excellent luxury accommodations. In Auckland, hotels like the Park Hyatt provide sophisticated waterfront stays, while boutique properties in Wellington and Christchurch offer stylish urban retreats. However, the true essence of New Zealand luxury lies in its connection to the land. Whether it’s a coastal property in the subtropical north, a vineyard retreat in Hawke’s Bay, or a mountain hideaway in Fiordland, the country’s top hotels offer an unparalleled opportunity to engage with nature in its purest form. This guide to New Zealand’s 25 best hotels is your key to unlocking a world of adventure, tranquility, and unforgettable Kiwi hospitality.
| Name | Location | Type | Stars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huka Lodge | Taupō | Iconic Luxury Lodge | ★★★★★ |
| The Farm at Cape Kidnappers | Hawke’s Bay | Luxury Lodge & Golf | ★★★★★ |
| Matakauri Lodge | Queenstown | Lakeside Luxury Lodge | ★★★★★ |
| Blanket Bay | Glenorchy | Alpine Lodge | ★★★★★ |
| The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs | Bay of Islands | Coastal Lodge & Golf | ★★★★★ |
| Eichardt’s Private Hotel | Queenstown | Luxury Boutique Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Minaret Station Alpine Lodge | Wanaka | Remote Luxury Lodge | ★★★★★ |
| Helena Bay Lodge | Northland | Luxury Coastal Lodge | ★★★★★ |
| Wharekauhau Country Estate | Wairarapa | Luxury Coastal Farm | ★★★★★ |
| The Landing | Bay of Islands | Luxury Residences | ★★★★★ |
| Otahuna Lodge | Christchurch | Historic Lodge | ★★★★★ |
| Solitaire Lodge | Rotorua | Lakeside Lodge | ★★★★★ |
| The George | Christchurch | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Rosewood Matakauri | Queenstown | Luxury Lodge | ★★★★★ |
| Split Apple Retreat | Abel Tasman | Wellness Retreat | ★★★★★ |
| The Dairy Private Hotel by Naumi | Queenstown | Boutique Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Park Hyatt Auckland | Auckland | Waterfront Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Fiordland Lodge | Te Anau | Luxury Lodge | ★★★★ |
| Craggy Range Vineyard Cottages | Hawke’s Bay | Vineyard Cottages | ★★★★ |
| The Hotel Britomart | Auckland | Design Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The Spire Hotel | Queenstown | Luxury Suites Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Porters Boutique Hotel | Havelock North | Boutique Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Eagles Nest | Bay of Islands | Luxury Villa Resort | ★★★★★ |
| The Kinloch Manor & Villas | Taupō | Luxury Lodge & Golf | ★★★★★ |
| Azur Lodge | Queenstown | Luxury Villa Lodge | ★★★★★ |
Polynesia Hotels: Overwater Dreams and Island Romance
Polynesia is the stuff of dreams, a vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean scattered with idyllic islands, turquoise lagoons, and a culture of warm hospitality. The region, particularly French Polynesia, is the undisputed home of the overwater bungalow, an iconic symbol of tropical luxury that it pioneered. A search for the best hotels in Bora Bora leads to a stunning collection of resorts where thatched-roof villas stand on stilts over crystal-clear waters. Legendary names like The St. Regis and the Four Seasons Bora Bora offer unparalleled experiences, with private plunge pools, glass floor panels to view the marine life below, and direct lagoon access. These resorts are the global benchmark for honeymoons and romantic escapes.
Beyond the iconic silhouette of Mount Otemanu in Bora Bora, other islands in French Polynesia offer their own slice of paradise. Moorea is known for its dramatic volcanic peaks and lush valleys, with resorts offering a similar overwater experience in a slightly more accessible setting. For a truly exclusive and unique stay, The Brando on the private atoll of Tetiaroa is in a class of its own. This ultra-luxurious, all-inclusive eco-resort was Marlon Brando’s private sanctuary and is now a paragon of sustainable luxury, frequented by A-listers and those seeking ultimate privacy and a profound connection with nature.
The Cook Islands offer a more laid-back, yet equally beautiful, Polynesian experience. The best hotels in Rarotonga and Aitutaki are often smaller, boutique properties that emphasize personal service and authentic local culture. Resorts like the Pacific Resort Aitutaki offer stunning views of one of the world’s most beautiful lagoons. While they may not have the same scale as the grand resorts of Bora Bora, they provide an intimate and charming alternative. Whether you are dreaming of a classic overwater bungalow in the shadow of a volcano or a secluded villa on a private atoll, the hotels of Polynesia deliver a perfect, sun-drenched, and utterly romantic escape.
| Name | Location | Type | Stars |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Brando | Tetiaroa, French Polynesia | Private Island Resort | ★★★★★ |
| The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort | Bora Bora, French Polynesia | Overwater Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora | Bora Bora, French Polynesia | Overwater Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Pacific Resort Aitutaki | Aitutaki, Cook Islands | Luxury Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Conrad Bora Bora Nui | Bora Bora, French Polynesia | Overwater Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Le Taha’a by Pearl Resorts | Taha’a, French Polynesia | Overwater Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Seabreeze Resort Samoa | Upolu, Samoa | Boutique Resort | ★★★★ |
| InterContinental Bora Bora & Thalasso Spa | Bora Bora, French Polynesia | Overwater Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort | Aitutaki, Cook Islands | Private Island Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa | Moorea, French Polynesia | Overwater Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Fafa Island Resort | Nuku’alofa, Tonga | Island Resort | ★★★★ |
| Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts | Bora Bora, French Polynesia | Overwater Resort | ★★★★ |
| Te Vakaroa Villas | Rarotonga, Cook Islands | Luxury Villas | ★★★★★ |
| Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort | Moorea, French Polynesia | Overwater Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Taumeasina Island Resort | Apia, Samoa | Island Resort | ★★★★ |
| Le Méridien Bora Bora | Bora Bora, French Polynesia | Overwater Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Rumours Luxury Villas & Spa | Rarotonga, Cook Islands | Luxury Villas | ★★★★★ |
| The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa | Bora Bora, French Polynesia | Overwater Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa | Rangiroa, French Polynesia | Dive Resort | ★★★★ |
| Little Polynesian Resort | Rarotonga, Cook Islands | Boutique Resort | ★★★★ |
| InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa | Tahiti, French Polynesia | Luxury Resort | ★★★★ |
| Aga Reef Resort | Upolu, Samoa | Beach Resort | ★★★★ |
| Manava Beach Resort & Spa Moorea | Moorea, French Polynesia | Beach Resort | ★★★★ |
| Aitutaki Escape | Aitutaki, Cook Islands | Luxury Villas | ★★★★★ |
| The Tongan Beach Resort | Vava’u, Tonga | Beach Resort | ★★★ |
Melanesia Hotels: Fijian Hospitality and Volcanic Vistas
Melanesia, a string of lush, volcanic islands east of Australia, is a region defined by its vibrant cultures, dramatic landscapes, and exceptionally warm hospitality. Fiji is the heart of tourism in Melanesia, renowned for its “Bula” spirit and its stunning collection of luxury private island resorts and overwater bungalows. The search for the best hotels in Fiji often leads to idyllic, exclusive hideaways. Laucala Island is one of the world’s most luxurious private island resorts, offering unparalleled privacy and an incredible range of activities. Kokomo Private Island Fiji is another leader in all-inclusive luxury, perfect for families and couples alike. These resorts offer a seamless experience where every detail is taken care of, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in island life.
Fiji’s Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands are famous for their classic South Pacific beauty, with turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and swaying palm trees. Here, resorts like Likuliku Lagoon Resort offer Fiji’s first and only authentic overwater bungalows, providing a romantic and quintessentially Fijian experience. For those seeking adventure and a deeper cultural connection, resorts on islands like Taveuni offer access to world-class diving in the Somosomo Strait and opportunities to visit traditional Fijian villages. The best Fijian hotels are masters at blending luxurious comfort with authentic local culture, ensuring a memorable and heartfelt stay.
Neighboring Vanuatu and New Caledonia offer their own unique charms. Vanuatu, with its active volcanoes and unique cultural traditions, is an adventure lover’s paradise. Boutique resorts and eco-lodges provide comfortable bases for exploring the islands’ natural wonders. New Caledonia, with its French influence and the world’s second-largest barrier reef, offers a blend of European sophistication and Pacific beauty, particularly in its capital, Nouméa, and on the stunning Isle of Pines. From the five-star polish of a private Fijian island to the rustic charm of a Vanuatu bungalow, the hotels of Melanesia offer a warm welcome and a gateway to some of the most beautiful and culturally rich islands in the world.
| Name | Location | Type | Stars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laucala Island Resort | Laucala Island, Fiji | Private Island Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Kokomo Private Island Fiji | Yaukuve Island, Fiji | Private Island Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Likuliku Lagoon Resort | Mamanuca Islands, Fiji | Overwater Resort | ★★★★★ |
| The Havannah, Vanuatu | Efate, Vanuatu | Luxury Resort | ★★★★ |
| Vomo Island Fiji | Mamanuca Islands, Fiji | Private Island Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Le Méridien Nouméa Resort & Spa | Nouméa, New Caledonia | Luxury Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Six Senses Fiji | Mamanuca Islands, Fiji | Luxury Villa Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Tavanipupu Private Island Resort | Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands | Private Island Resort | ★★★★ |
| Tokoriki Island Resort | Mamanuca Islands, Fiji | Adults-Only Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Le Méridien Ile des Pins | Isle of Pines, New Caledonia | Luxury Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Yasawa Island Resort & Spa | Yasawa Islands, Fiji | All-Inclusive Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Ratua Private Island | Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu | Private Island Resort | ★★★★ |
| Royal Davui Island Resort | Beqa Lagoon, Fiji | Private Island Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Sheraton New Caledonia Deva Spa & Golf Resort | Bourail, New Caledonia | Luxury Golf Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Nanuku Resort, Fiji | Pacific Harbour, Fiji | Luxury Villa Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Iririki Island Resort & Spa | Port Vila, Vanuatu | Island Resort | ★★★★ |
| Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa | Denarau, Fiji | Luxury Beach Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Hôtel Paradis d’Ouvéa | Ouvéa, New Caledonia | Beachfront Hotel | ★★★★ |
| InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa | Natadola, Fiji | Luxury Golf Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Tamanu on the Beach | Efate, Vanuatu | Boutique Resort | ★★★★ |
| Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay | Momi Bay, Fiji | Overwater Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Heritage Park Hotel | Honiara, Solomon Islands | Business Hotel | ★★★★ |
| The Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa | Denarau, Fiji | Luxury Resort | ★★★★★ |
| DoubleTree by Hilton Noumea Ilot Maitre | Nouméa, New Caledonia | Overwater Resort | ★★★★ |
| Matamanoa Island Resort | Mamanuca Islands, Fiji | Adults-Only Resort | ★★★★ |
Micronesia & Other Pacific Islands Hotels: Diving Havens and Remote Atolls
Micronesia and the other scattered islands of the vast Pacific Ocean represent one of the world’s most remote and pristine travel frontiers. This region, encompassing destinations like Palau, Guam, and the Federated States of Micronesia, is a paradise for scuba divers, marine biologists, and adventurous travelers seeking to get truly off the beaten path. The hotel scene here is less about opulent luxury and more about providing comfortable, well-appointed bases for exploring the incredible underwater world. The search for the best hotels in Palau will lead you to properties like the Palau Pacific Resort, which offers a classic, upscale resort experience with a private beach and access to the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Guam, a U.S. territory, serves as a major hub for the region and has a more developed tourism infrastructure, with a range of large, resort-style hotels primarily catering to visitors from East Asia. Hotels like The Tsubaki Tower and the Dusit Thani Guam Resort offer high-rise luxury with stunning ocean views, infinity pools, and multiple dining options. These properties provide a familiar standard of international five-star comfort in the heart of the Pacific. While they may lack the intimate, boutique feel of lodges elsewhere in Oceania, they offer reliable service and extensive amenities.
In the more remote atolls and islands, such as Yap and Chuuk in the Federated States of Micronesia, the accommodations are typically smaller, owner-operated dive resorts. These hotels, like the Manta Ray Bay Resort in Yap, are world-renowned within the diving community for their expert guides and access to unique marine encounters, such as diving with giant manta rays or exploring WWII shipwrecks. Luxury in this part of the world is not measured in thread count or marble bathrooms, but in the rarity of the experience and the richness of the underwater world at your doorstep. For intrepid travelers, the hotels of Micronesia offer a gateway to an unforgettable adventure in one of the most untouched corners of our planet.
| Name | Location | Type | Stars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palau Pacific Resort | Koror, Palau | Luxury Beach Resort | ★★★★★ |
| The Tsubaki Tower | Tumon, Guam | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Dusit Thani Guam Resort | Tumon, Guam | Luxury Beach Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Palau Royal Resort | Koror, Palau | Resort Hotel | ★★★★ |
| Hyatt Regency Saipan | Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands | Beach Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Hyatt Regency Guam | Tumon, Guam | Beach Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Manta Ray Bay Resort | Yap, Micronesia | Dive Resort | ★★★ |
| Marshall Islands Resort | Majuro, Marshall Islands | Resort Hotel | ★★★ |
| The Westin Resort Guam | Tumon, Guam | Beach Resort | ★★★★ |
| Cove Resort Palau | Koror, Palau | Boutique Resort | ★★★★ |
| Kensington Hotel Saipan | Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands | All-Inclusive Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Lotte Hotel Guam | Tumon, Guam | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Blue Lagoon Resort | Chuuk, Micronesia | Dive Resort | ★★★ |
| Palasia Hotel Palau | Koror, Palau | City Hotel | ★★★★ |
| Dusit Beach Resort Guam | Tumon, Guam | Beach Resort | ★★★★ |
| Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan | Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands | Beach Resort | ★★★★ |
| Hilton Guam Resort & Spa | Tumon, Guam | Resort & Spa | ★★★★ |
| Pristine Villas Palau | Koror, Palau | Villa Hotel | ★★★★ |
| Hotel Robert Reimers | Majuro, Marshall Islands | City Hotel | ★★★ |
| Pacific Islands Club Guam | Tumon, Guam | Family Resort | ★★★★ |
| The Palau Hotel | Koror, Palau | City Hotel | ★★★★ |
| Saipan World Resort | Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands | Waterpark Resort | ★★★★ |
| Hotel Nikko Guam | Tumon, Guam | Beach Resort | ★★★★ |
| Kosrae Nautilus Resort | Kosrae, Micronesia | Dive Resort | ★★★ |
| Carp Island Resort | Rock Islands, Palau | Island Resort | ★★★ |
